Utah requires engineers to use stamps, seals, and electronic stamps that meet stringent requirements for size and content. Usage rules are similarly strict, defined in state code, and pretty standard throughout the United States.
It is certainly possible and permissible to custom design an image file that meets the requirements listed below, but there isn’t much point to that. Many rubber stamp companies can take custom information, like a name, and create a stamp or seal that meets Utah design requirements for engineer stamps.
State of Utah Engineers’ Stamp Design
The state Board of Engineers has size and content requirements that are roughly similar to those in other states. As with most states, there is very little variation or creativity allowed. Valid Utah engineers stamps and seals must:
- Be a minimum of 1 ½” in diameter.
- Contain the words “Professional Engineer”, “Professional Structural Engineer”, or “Professional Land Surveyor”.
- Include the engineer’s name and ID number.
- Use the approved variant design, if the user is a structural engineer or a land surveyor.
The rules for what must be stamped or embossed and where they must be stamped or embossed vary somewhat from state to state, but Utah’s requirements are typical. As with most states, Utah allows engineers to use wet stamps, embossed seals, and electronic seals to stamp documents.
Land surveyors have to follow similar design rules to engineers and structural engineers. As usual, there isn’t much latitude allowed.
As with other states, engineers must secure an approved stamp after being licensed and must retain control over the seal at all times, so the seal is only used when authorized. The same rule would apply to electronic files that contain the engineer’s seal.
Utah Engineers Stamps Use Requirements
Utah has some common rules for stamping and signing final engineering documents. Engineers who stamp documents certify that the work was done by them.
In Utah engineers must affix their stamps to original set of final plans, specifications, plats, sketches, reports, surveys, maps and drawings. The engineer must also sign and date the documents across each seal imprint. The seal, signature, and date must also appear on the document title or cover page. This is another common requirement. Copies of documents are
acceptable, if the original seal, date, and signature are legible. Some states don’t allow stamped documents to be transmitted electronically unless they are secured against editing. Otherwise, the official seal and stamp may not be copied and reused.Interns and engineers with lapsed licenses are not allowed to use professional engineer seals. This is a common rule across the country, to protect the integrity of the seals.
Electronic documents are allowed and otherwise have to conform to the same standard as wet stamp or embossed signatures. This is a common rule. A digital signature and date stamp can be applied over the electronic signature.
The usage rules are about the same for land surveyors.
Get the Right Supplies
All professional engineers in Utah should have a few different sealing or embossing tools, in addition to having an electronic seal. Some rubber stamp companies may be able to supply an electronic seal that’s customized. Some state engineering associations also offer the opportunity to buy an electronic seal.
If you are professional engineer, surveyor, or structural engineer in Utah, take a look at the range of stamp and seal devices that Acorn Sales offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Utah engineer stamp requirements for size and content?
Utah engineer stamps and seals must be at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter and include the words “Professional Engineer,” “Professional Structural Engineer,” or “Professional Land Surveyor,” along with the engineer’s name and ID number. Structural engineers and land surveyors must use the approved variant design for their profession.
Can Utah engineers use an electronic seal instead of a wet stamp?
Yes. Utah allows wet stamps, embossed seals, and electronic seals, as long as the seal meets state requirements and is used properly. Electronic seals must still be controlled by the licensed engineer and should be applied in a way that prevents unauthorized use or alteration.
Do Utah engineering documents need to be signed and dated with the seal?
Yes. Final plans, specifications, reports, surveys, maps, plats, sketches, and drawings must be stamped, signed, and dated by the engineer. The signature and date should appear across or near the seal imprint, and the seal, signature, and date should also appear on the title or cover page when required.
Who is allowed to use a Utah professional engineer stamp?
Only the licensed engineer who owns and controls the seal may use it. Interns, unlicensed staff, and engineers with lapsed licenses are not permitted to stamp documents. Utah requires the seal to remain under the engineer’s control at all times.
Are copies of stamped Utah engineering documents acceptable?
Copies may be acceptable if the original seal, signature, and date remain clear and legible. However, the original stamped document is the safest version to retain and submit when possible, especially for final record documents and official submissions.
Where can I get a Utah PE stamp or seal that meets state requirements?
You can purchase a custom Utah engineer stamp, seal, or electronic seal from vendors that understand state licensing requirements. A qualified supplier can ensure the stamp includes the correct size, wording, name, and ID number so it complies with Utah PE seal design standards.
